In between lockdowns in July, ten acolytes gathered for ten days of movement and learning.
Ten Women gathered together to unravel the teachings of Yin Yoga. Hosted by SoHo Yoga and facilitated by Lee-Anne Heron and Nic Matthews. It was a suburban retreat, away from our usual routines and responsibilities, a respite from the constant noise of the pandemic. A time to focus solely on our bodies and minds, a chance to discover the construction of fascia.
Each day we practiced Yin, gained knowledge, shared information, listened to each others stories without judgement, bonding through movement. Reading The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal explains why we were able to feel so connected in such a short period of time,
“It’s not the idea of being connected, it is a physical sensation of connection… synchronised movement works to create the sensation of group unity. As you move, your brain receives feedback from your muscles, joints, and inner ear about what your body is doing. Simultaneously, you see others performing the same movements. When these inputs arrive at once, your brain merges them into one unified perception. The movements you see in others become linked to the movements you feel, and your brain interprets the other bodies as an extension of your own. The more fully the brain integrates these perceptual streams, the more connected you feel to those you are moving with”.
Even though some came to class with migraines and significant worries we were quietly elated that we could assemble together to hold space for each other, a safe place to re-gather both physical and inner strength. A collective joy was felt:
“The feeling of boundaries dissolving is one of the most powerful aspects of collective joy.” Kelly McGonigal
Spending time practising Yin with this receptive community of women supports my values of cultivating calm, creating connections and as Helen commented learning how “to sit with discomfort”. We talked about women’s circles and the longing we had felt when reading Anita Diamant’s book, The Red Tent to have our own red tent to retreat to for restoration and the solace of women’s company.
“In the red tent, the truth is known. In the red tent, where days pass like a gentle stream, as the gift of Innana courses through us, cleansing the body of last month’s death, preparing the body to receive the new month’s life, women give thanks — for repose and restoration, for the knowledge that life comes from between our legs, and that life costs blood.” Anita Diamant, The Red Tent
I’m dreaming up wellbeing ideas for when we can freely gather together again. If you’re interested please email me using the button below so I can let you know my plans.